 |
| IPS retrofit unit |
 |
 |
| Site 23 |
|
 |
| Site 21 |
|
 |
| VHF
Radio link to office |
|
 |
| IPS.EXE Screenshot |
INTELLIGENT PIPELINE SYSTEM (IPS)
The Future of CP Monitoring & Control
The IPS is a smart control system designed to provide Monitoring, Control, Data Recording and Synchronous Interruption of Cathodic Protection Power Supplies on an underground pipeline. These functions are vital for assessing the efficiency of a CP system and gauging it’s capability to protect the huge capital investment made by the pipeline owner. A much smaller capital investment in IPS not only maximises the efficiency of your CP system, but also massively reduces the ongoing costs of communications, labour and time intensive manual monitoring processes previously used. IPS utilises the metal pipeline as the communications medium to create a daisy chained CP Network. Communication with the entire network can made from an office PC through one "Base Site" via Radiotelephone, Standard Telephone Modem or Direct Serial Link. Also direct RS232 at any individual site via Laptop computer. Features of IPS:
| > | Instantaneous remote monitoring of power supply voltage, current and pipeline potential. |
| > | Remote monitoring and control
of settings and parameters. |
| > | Automatic and manual control of CP current output. |
| > | Remote
Data Recording of averaged daily readings. |
| > |
Automatic synchronisation of all
adjacent rectifiers to better than 13ms. |
| > | Remote synchronous interruption of rectifiers for pipeline survey work. |
IPS is available in two models: -
| > | A retrofit control module for CP systems that uses the existing DC Power Supply. |
| > | A
stand-alone unit with built in DC Power Supply for new installations. |
Current ratings of 10 30 and 100 Amps available.
Self-Regulating Feature
Installation of an IPS system facilitates remote daily monitoring of an
entire Cathodic Protection (CP) network and also allows the earliest detection
of power supply failures. Each site checks for communications with its
neighbours on an hourly basis and reports by exception if a site is "Down".
Without IPS fault detection can take up to two months between manual inspections.
The ability to monitor the CP voltages on a more regular basis also enables
the early detection of any trends that may indicate deterioration of the
Pipeline/CP system. This early detection of CP problems may significantly
extend the life span of the pipeline. Therefore when considering the cost
of pipeline installations the potential revenue savings can be enormous.
Very significant cost savings are gained from not having to send inspection
teams to visit each CP rectifier individually to ensure it is working.
These savings include; Labour, Travel Time, Fuel costs, Vehicle wear and
tear, Sundry expenses etc.
N.B. IPS negates the 2 monthly rectifier inspection requirement under
AS 2885.3 - 1997 Pipelines - Gas and Liquid petroleum Part 3 Operation
and Maintenance.
Personnel Safety Safety aspects of less driving time should be noted as
safety is a significant factor in any operation and driving is often the
most risky aspect of a field workers job.
Minimal Ongoing Communications Costs An entire network of CP rectifiers
can be monitored and controlled from one base computer with a data link
to its nearest IPS installation. Communication by, Radio data link, Landline
telephone or Direct serial data link is very inexpensive. This means there
are extremely minor ongoing communications costs compared to other methods
of data collection.
PC Software IPS has a Windows based user interface software package for
carrying out all system control, configuration, monitoring and data download
functions.
| Mains Voltage | 110/230 Volts AC 50/60hz +/- 15% 10 Watts max |
| Supply Voltage | 100 Volts DC maximum (existing power supply) |
| Anode Voltage | 0 to 50 VDC |
| Anode Current | 0 to 10 Amps DC |
| Pipe voltage | Within 100 mV of set point in auto mode |
| Offset Voltage | 10 V DC max. between pipe sense and half cell |
| Mains Noise Rejection | 14 V RMS maximum |
| Raw Data Rate | 10 bits per second |
| Interruption Drift | 1ppm after 1 year from calibration (30ms in 8hrs) |
| Sync Accuracy | Better than +/- 13 ms |
| Serial Port | 9600 bits per second RS232C for computer |
| (null modem cable required for computer) | |
| 9600 bits per second for "AT" compatible modem | |
| 1200 bits per second RS232C for radio modem | |
| Galvanic isolation from other circuits | |
| DB9 male connector | |
| Fuses | 1¼ x ¼" 1 Amp for mains, 10 Amp DC |
| Size overall | 275mm high, 220mm wide, 125mm front to back |
| Case material | Welded 1.6mm mild steel. Passivated zinc plated, |
| Polyester powder coated, white. | |
| Weight | 6.8kg |
Designed
and manufactured by: Solid State Equipment
Ltd, Lower Hutt, New Zealand
 |